Gary Peters on Homeland Security

Served in US Navy Reserves; signed back up after 9/11

The son of a WWII veteran, Gary Peters was 34 years old and a successful financial manager when he became an officer in the US Navy Reserve.

Following the terrorist attacks on September 11th, Gary signed back up for the Navy Reserve, and again served
overseas in support of US operations. During his twelve years of service, he received numerous awards and citations, including the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal and the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal.

Voted YES on extending the PATRIOT Act's roving wiretaps.

Congressional Summary: To prohibit Federal funding of National Public Radio and the use of Federal funds to acquire radio content, including:

broadcasting, transmitting, and programming over noncommercial educational radio broadcast stations

cooperating with foreign broadcasting networks

assisting and supporting noncommercial educational radio broadcasting

paying dues to such organizations

or acquiring radio programs for public broadcast.

Proponent's Argument for voting Yes:[Rep. Blackburn, R-TN]: This bill gets the Federal Government--and Federal taxpayers--out of the business of buying radio programming they do not agree with. This is a bill that is long overdue. Regardless of what you think of NPR, its programming or statements by its management, the time has come to cut the umbilical cord from the taxpayer support that has become as predictable as an entitlement program. Much has changed in the media landscape since the
wiretaps, to seek certain business records, and to gather intelligence on lone terrorists who are not affiliated with a known terrorist group. The Patriot Act works. It has proved effective in preventing terrorist attacks and protecting Americans. To let these provisions expire would leave every American less safe.

Opponent's Argument for voting No:[Rep. Conyers, D-MI]: Section 215 of the Patriot Act allows a secret FISA court to authorize our government to collect business records or anything else, requiring that a person or business produce virtually any type record. We didn't think that that was right then. We don't think it's right now. This provision is contrary to traditional notions of search and seizure which require the government to show reasonable suspicion or probable cause before undertaking an investigation that infringes upon a person's privacy. And so I urge a "no" vote on the extension of these expiring provisions.

Repeal Don't-Ask-Don't-Tell, and reinstate discharged gays.

Peters signed HR1283&S3065

Repeals current Department of Defense policy [popularly known as "Don't-Ask-Don't-Tell"] concerning homosexuality in the Armed Forces. Prohibits the Secretary of Defense, and the Secretary of Homeland Security with respect to the Coast Guard, from discriminating on the basis of sexual orientation against any member of the Armed Forces or any person seeking to become a member. Authorizes the re-accession into the Armed Forces of otherwise qualified individuals previously separated for homosexuality, bisexuality, or homosexual conduct.

Nothing in this Act shall be construed to require the furnishing of dependent benefits in violation of section 7 of title 1, United States Code (relating to the definitions of 'marriage' and 'spouse' and referred to as the 'Defense of Marriage Act').

Endorsed by VoteVets.org; against wasteful defense spending.

Peters is endorsed by VoteVets.org Endrosement

About VoteVets.org:Founded in 2006, and backed by over 220,000 supporters, the mission of VoteVets.org is to use public issue campaigns and direct outreach to lawmakers to ensure that troops abroad have what they need to complete their missions, and receive the care they deserve when they get home. VoteVets.org also recognizes veterans as a vital part of the fabric of our country and will work to protect veterans' interests in their day-to-day lives. Statistics:

Over 220,000 supporters in all 50 states, including troops, veterans, military families, and their supporters

State Captains organizing in all 50 states

Over 200 interviews, news stories, and on air media appearances

Over 5 million voter contacts since 2006 in various forms

Over $30 million raised and spent since inception

Issue Advocacy:The nature of war is changing, and the needs of veterans in the 21st century are different than in past eras. To that end, VoteVets.org has successfully fought for the following:

An end to wasteful spending, such as the out-of-date F-22, with a greater focus on practical equipment, such as body and vehicle armor.

A 21st Century G.I. Bill, to make college affordable for our returning service-members, allowing them to become part of the middle class.

A repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell, allowing more Americans to serve in the Armed Forces, and stop the depletion of our military of essential specialists, such as translators.

Increased financial support for mental health care for our service members, as well as greater research and treatment of Traumatic Brain Disorders.

An end to the destructive "Stop Loss" policy, which involuntarily extended deployments, as well as increased time on the home front between deployments.